AN unauthorised fox trap has been found on Rawcliffe Meadows for the second time this year.

The cage traps are over two metres long and are hidden in undergrowth and baited with dog food or poultry carcasses.

Dr Mick Phythian of York Natural Environment Trust said: “Someone has obviously gone to great lengths to place these traps, which must have been difficult to transport.

"No permission has been given for these traps and they are not part of any legitimate pest management or wildlife study programme. These traps are therefore illegal and pose a significant threat to pet dogs, and to wildlife.

“Although we will disable any traps we find, Friends of Rawcliffe Meadows cannot monitor the whole site and we advise dog owners to keep a watchful eye on their pets and not let them disappear into wooded areas.”

Anyone with information about the placing of the traps is asked to phone police on 101.